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2013 Annual Statistical Report

The Annual Statistical Report for fiscal year 2012-2013 includes an array of information providing the public with statistics about education in Tennessee. We hope that you will find the report useful to become better acquainted with Tennessee's education system.

The office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction was created in 1835. By Legislative Act in 1843, which went in effect in 1844, the office was abolished. The following Superintendents were elected by the Legislature:

Robert H. McEwen

1835-1840

Robert P. Currin

1840-1841

Scott Terry

1841-1844

From 1844 to 1867, the State Treasurer was ex-officio Superintendent of Public Instruction. In 1867, the office was again created. The following Superintendents were elected by the people and served for the respective periods shown below:

John Eaton, Jr.

1867-1869

A. J. Tipton

1869-1871

In 1870, the office was again abolished, and the duties devolved upon the State Treasurer, who was made ex-officio Superintendent of Public Instruction. In 1873, the office was recreated, and the following officers, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, have served the terms shown below:

J. B. Killebrew*

John M. Flemings

1873-1875

Leon Trousdale

1875-1881

W. S. Doak

1881-1882**

Julia A. Doak

3 mos. ending July, 1882***

G. S. Crawford

1882-1883***

Thomas H. Paine

1883-1887

Frank M. Smith

1887-1891

W. R. Garrett

1891-1893

S. G. Gilbreath

1895-1897

Price Thomas

1897-1899

Morgan C. Fitzpatrick

1899-1903

Seymour A. Mynders

1903-1907

R. L. Jones

1907-1911

J. W. Brister

1911-1913

S. J. Thompson

1913-1915***

S. W. Sherrill

1915-1919

Albert Williams

1919-1921

J. B. Brown

1921-1923

* Assistant State Superintendent, 1870-1873

** Died in Office.

*** Filled unexpired term

Under the reorganization bill of 1923, the State Department of Public Instruction became the State Department of Education. The title of the chief state school officer was changed to Commissioner of Education.